What is the work saying? This is my question to myself when confronted with artwork that lacks formal strength (good use of the elements of art and the principles of design) and which also lacks technically sound use of the materials and its methods. Needless to say, it is a huge disappointment when I am unable to answer that question about the work’s content and simultaneously I am unable to console myself that the work possesses satisfying formal and/or technical qualities.
Recently, someone proposed large velvet textured swaths of cloth upon which they intended to paint a broad, black line. This person was preoccupied with Blackness in our racialised local space. However, nothing in the conversation surrounding the suggestion of this work offered a rationale for this particular gesture. I said, “If I walked into an exhibition and saw that I would walk out.” I meant it. My response to the work in progress was deemed “aggressive”. I admit, I was blunt and unwilling to give a thumbs up to an ill-conceived idea presented as art. There are quite a lot of those out there that make their way into galleries. And every time I see questionable art, I have to calm myself with my own sarcasm; everyone is an artist and even painted rubbish, given the chance, will be displayed as art.